Spain: Flight disruptions reported due to a sandstorm in the Canary Islands February 22-24

Event

A sandstorm originating from the Sahara Desert prompted significant flight disruptions over the weekend on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, in the Canary Islands. All eight airports were closed, and football matches and carnival events were canceled. While officials announced that airports across the islands had reopened as of Monday, February 24, they are reportedly operating at reduced capacity. Residual disruptions, notably at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) and Tenerife South Airport (TFS), remain possible as winds of up 120 kph (75 mph) are expected to continue over the coming hours.

Additional flight cancelations and delays are possible throughout Monday. 

Advice

Travelers in the Canary Islands are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport, and to contact their airlines for additional information.